For us curlies, braided hairstyles are incomparable because they shield the hair from mechanical harm—such as over-brushing and combing—and environmental damage.
Two or more strands of hair or other materials are intertwined to produce braids, also known as plaits. There are many varieties of braids, ranging from Fulani, dutch to cornrows. In addition to doing a great job of protecting the hair from damage, protective hairstyles like braids also give a gorgeous look.
Most braids do a terrific job of embracing the unruliness of curly hair. With braids comes versatility; you may choose to keep the hair loose or tight, depending on the style you’re going for, the length and texture of your hair, and other factors.
It all goes down to knowing what you want. And, if you’ve trouble figuring that out, hopefully, that ends now!
Choose one or more! Of these elegant, curly braided hairstyles, your curly locs will look excellent and be well-protected. Most of these styles would require the addition of hair extensions and be done on blow-dried hair.
20 Best Braid Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Before braiding, give your hair a good wash with a sulfate-free or moisturizing shampoo. Using a sulfate-free shampoo contains gentle surfactants which are kinder to the scalp and don’t strip the hair of its natural oils as opposed to its counterparts – the harsh surfactants.
To moisturize the hair strands, follow up with your desired hydrating conditioner. Take a generous amount of conditioner, rub your palms together, and then rake it through your hair, beginning at the mid-lengths and working your way down to the tips. Gently detangle conditioner-treated hair using your fingers, a comb, or a brush. After that, thoroughly rinse the hair.
1. Dutch Braid
Although it takes some work to master, a Dutch braid is lovely and simple to accomplish. As you can see from the illustration, divide your hair into two sections. The Dutch braid is distinctive because you braid underneath; for a step-by-step guide on how to braid, click this link.
2. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are an absolute favorite of mine! It is stare-worthy; you could also style your random box braids as Bantu knots.
Begin this process on freshly washed hair, section into smaller parts convenient for you to work with, grab a section, and comb it smoothen; you could either wrap the piece at the roots or split hair into two, twist by layering each piece over and another and wrap. Secure with an elastic band.
3. Bohemian Braids
Right now, the Boho style is popular, and why wouldn’t it be? The trend of bohemian braiding is on! and has an oddly beautiful appearance. It is also do-it-yourself friendly and not difficult to install. Hair should first be divided into smaller chunks and braided, leaving curls at the middle and ends. The installation procedure for bohemian locs is very comparable.
4. French Braid
You must admit that the French braid is timeless and will never go out of style. With that out of the way, a French braid is very similar to a Dutch braid, except that the French braiding process is done over the hair strands.
5. Low Braided Ponytail
One word describes a mix of cornrows and small weaves packed into a low ponytail: stunning!
6. Knotless Box Braids
The natural appearance it provides and the reduced stress it places on the scalp are just a couple of the reasons why knotless box braids are currently a thing of beauty.
Knotless braids use a feeding approach, adding little bits of hair as the braiding goes along until the size you want is achieved.
7. Cornrow Braids
Cornrow braids are pretty attractive and bring attention to the face. As the name suggests, cornrows are frequently made in precise, straight lines. To create continuous, elevated rows of hair, the hair is braided very close to the scalp.
8. Braided Updo
Simple hair styling involves creating small weaves in the front and putting your hair in a high bun. Beads can be used to enhance this look.
9. Twists
The good old twist is easy to install, and the takedown is easy. This process should be carried out on clean hair, divided into small sections with your desired parting style. You could start each section with a braid and finish with a twist or twist from the top.
10. Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is perfect for a prom look or an outing; the bow adds so much spice to this look. It is a fav! It doesn’t take long to install and comes out beautifully. It is do-it-yourself friendly, but it would require more practice, especially for newbies.
11. Snake Braid
Snakes braids installation process isn’t as complicated as it may seem and does not take so much time.
12. A Ponytail
A ponytail should have been top on the list; we’ve all rocked this hairstyle; it’s a lifesaver and a cute look too.
13. Stitch Braids
These stitch braids took the game to another level! You could try out this braided hairstyle; you wouldn’t have to sit for long. It only involves braiding the front part of your hair and adding some small weaves for a unique look.
14. Crown Braid
Been around for ages; it simply Is a braid wrapping around your head resembling a crown. It doesn’t typically work on every face type; you’ve got to be sure of it before trying it out.
15. Fulani Braids
These layered Fulani braids are historical and can never come out wrongly. If you haven’t tried out these hairstyles, I don’t know what you are waiting for!
16. Tree Braid
It isn’t as common, but a gorgeous look! It is the combination of braids and free-falling hair extensions resembling a weave.
17. Gypsy Braids
A soft bohemian look leaves you feeling like a goddess!
18. Bob Goddess Braids
Bob with curls, a perfect combination!
19. African Threading
This is done with African thread or wool, and it involves wrapping hair in sections and is great for hair growth and elongation.
20. Two Strand Twist
Rock your natural without any added extension with the two-strand twists. After sectioning, take a section, divide it into two, and split it by stacking each piece over the other.
Care tips for Braided Hairstyles
These hairstyles are meant to protect your hair, but that doesn’t say you should neglect to care for your hair because that would be doing otherwise.
For braided hairstyles, especially box braids and cornrows, the scalp Is more exposed than usual and can accumulate more dirt, dryness, and the likes; you want to be sure your scalp stays moisturized. Spray in leave-in hydration and hair serum to seal the moisture afterward. You could also wash your hair without ruining your style, focusing on the scalp to eliminate product buildup, excess oil accumulation, and dirt.
Sleeping with a silk scarf or satin bonnet essentially preserves your style and keeps those braids neat; this is possible due to its smooth surface area. Avoid over styling, and too much manipulation can place tension on the hairline resulting in hair loss and breakage.